‘Real possibility’: Boris Johnson urged to stand in Tory leadership race

Former PM dominates debate as contest to replace Liz Truss begins, only six weeks after he left office

• Johnson, Sunak and Mordaunt get early backing in Tory leadership race - live

The prospect of Boris Johnson returning to Downing Street is dominating debate at the start of the second Conservative party leadership contest of the year amid fevered speculation the former premier is plotting a comeback.

Only six weeks after he left No 10, forced out by his own MPs after a slew of scandals, supporters are calling on Johnson to return from holiday in the Dominican Republic and run again for a second shot at leading the country.